Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Halftime Show hype is authentic.
The California rapper will take the stage on Sunday, February 9th, at Caesar Superdome in New Orleans.
There are many questions about which song the “GNX” star will play for the show, but whether he will do the now-Grammy-winning historic disrecord “Not Like Us” – he He definitely knows his former labelmate SZA joined him on the soccer field.
In an interview with Apple Music on Thursday, February 6th, Lamar said viewers should expect “storytelling” in their presentation this weekend.
“I have always been very open about storytelling throughout all the catalogues and musical history,” he said. “And I’ve always been passionate about bringing it to me at any stage.”
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It was highly anticipated, but no announcement was made without causing additional tensions in hip hop, especially after a public comment by rapper Lil Wayne, who wanted to show headlines for the show in his hometown. did. Here’s the breakdown of the controversy surrounding the Super Bowl.
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Who is Kendrick Lamar? Things you need to know about the Super Bowl 59 halftime performers
The NFL announces Kendrick Lamar as a Super Bowl halftime performer
In September, the NFL removed the bombing news that Kendrick Lamar would perform at the 2025 Apple Music Halftime show. It was accompanied by a photo of a rapper sitting in front of an American flag.
The Pulitzer Prize winner released a teaser on YouTube to thrill fans with the show.
“What’s wrong, guys? My name is Kendrick Lamar, and I’ll be playing at Super Bowl 59,” he said. “Would you lift it? That’s fine. I know there’s only one chance to win a championship. There’s no round toe. Let’s get it.”
“I don’t want you to miss it. I’ll see me in New Orleans,” he added. “February 9, 2025.”
Lil Wayne said, “Nothing is better than the place.”
The NFL decision sparked a massive discussion about social media among fans and hip-hop critics.
“There’s no shade on K.DOT, but the NFL really should have tried to get Lil Wayne to play in New Orleans in the Super Bowl,” one fan said on X.
Rap icon and Lil Wayne’s protégé Nicki Minaj defended him, saying, “I want to be a great MC for your favorite.” Rappers Cam’ron and Mase also discussed the topic “what it is” on their podcast.
“I love Kendrick Lamar. I think he’s one of the top artists of this generation and era. I hate this choice,” Camron said at the time. “It’s in New Orleans. Would you like to get Lil Wayne? Is that what we’re doing?”
“Lil Wayne, who hasn’t performed in New Orleans for the Super Bowl, was terrible and had to stop,” the New York host continued.
With a history of expressing the importance of performing in his hometown in the biggest football game, Wayne was not shy to admit that he was disappointed.
“I blame myself for not being mentally prepared for disappointment and automatically putting myself in that position mentally,” he said in a live video on Viral Instagram. “I thought there was nothing better in my city than that spot, that stage, that platform, that platform.
The “Mr. Carter” rapper doubled his feelings at the 2024 Lil Wejanafest in front of a crowd of fans. “It tore off me,” he said.
Kendrick Lamar responds to the controversy over “GNX”
With his surprising 12-track album “GNX,” released on November 22nd, Kendrick Lamar tackled the controversy over his intro song “Wacced Out Murals.”
“We used to slam Carter III,” I’m proud/sarcastic at the Raleigh Chain. I think my hard work lost Lil Wayne,” Lamar spats.
He also took a jab in the industry that opposed him after an NFL pick. , Lots of artists, they run an outdated/expletive stream, trying to convince me that you like them. ”
Lamar pointed to rap legend NAS and yelled him on Instagram for getting his honorable gig.
Following the release of the album, Lil Wayne appeared to respond to the discourse mentioned in a social media post.
“Let’s sleep this huge. I ask you for everything. No one really wants destruction. To me. He wrote to X.
More details: Lil Wayne comments on Kendrick Lamar, Super Bowl controversy: “You better kill it”
Lil Wayne said he wished Kendrick was “all the best.”
When appearing on “The Skip Bayless Show” in December, Lil Wayne spoke to Kendrick Lamar and shared that he congratulated him on his achievements.
“I spoke to him, and I wanted him the best and I told him it would be better for him to kill it,” Wayne said to him. . You had to kill it. ”
On the show, Bayless asks Lil Wayne if he spoke to Lamar about his name being dropped on “GNX.” Wayne claimed he was the first time he had heard the lyrics, but said Lamar hadn’t borrowed an explanation from him.
“I think he just means… his efforts are the reason he made it out there, and obviously “disappointing me” is just me being upset,” Wayne said. I said.
Lil Wayne says he’s not in the Super Bowl
Earlier this week, Lil Wayne announced through his Instagram story that he would not be going to a big event. Despite the controversy, many fans hoped that he could be a guest on Lamar’s set.
“I know I’m not there this week, meaning I’m guessing there’s a seat to fill in,” he said in a clip shared online. “Scream to New Orleans. I’ve been working on something very special. On the 6th of Thursday, something exciting came for you.”
He added: “Until then, I’m just calm.”
Lil Wayne references Super Bowl Snub in commercials
On Thursday, February 6th, the platinum cellar artist announced that his new album, “Tha Carter VI,” will be released on June 6th in a new Cetaphil commercial entitled “Weall a Lil Sensitive.” Super Bowl Halftime Show controversy. He has also been featured in a remix of Liangelo Ball’s aka Gelo Viral Song “Tweaker,” and has held several shows at the show in late February alongside Hot Boys Members, Juvenile, Turk and BG. Masu.
Taylor Ardley is a news reporter for USA Today. You can contact her at [email protected].